Musalla of the Prophet

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Musalla of the Prophet(PBUH)
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PlaceManakhah in the west of Masjid al-Nabi in Medina

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Musalla of the ProphetThe Prophet's Prayer Area, known as Musalla al-Nabi, is an open space on the western side of the Prophet's Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi) in Medina. This site holds great historical and religious significance as it is where Prophet Muhammad (S) performed the Eid prayers. Historically, it was called "Al-Manakha," a resting place for camel caravans and a marketplace. Now referred to as Musalla Square, this area has become integral to Medina's religious and communal life. The Prophet's use of this space for communal prayers underscores its importance in early Islam, serving as a place of worship and a hub for social and economic activities. Its transformation into Musalla Square reflects its lasting role in Islamic heritage. Three mosques have been constructed in this significant area: the Mosque of Ghamama (or Mosque of Musalla), the Mosque of Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS), and the Mosque of Abu Bakr. Prophet Muhammad (S) performed various important prayers here, including Eid al-Adha, Eid al-Fitr, Istisqa (for rain), and the funeral prayer for Najashi, the King of Abyssinia. These mosques are not only places of worship but also serve as reminders of significant events in the Prophet's life. The Mosque of Ghamama, where the Prophet performed Eid prayers, is of particular historical and spiritual importance. The Mosques of Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS) and Abu Bakr further highlight the area's connection to key figures in early Islamic history. Together, these sites enrich Medina's religious heritage, drawing pilgrims and scholars to reflect on their historical and spiritual significance.

The Musalla al-Nabi Location

The Prophet's Prayer Area in Medina, known as Musalla al-Nabi, was an open, uncovered space located to the west of the Prophet's Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi).[1]Historically, this area was called "Al-Manakha," a place where camels were rested and a marketplace was held. This space is also referred to as Musalla Square.[2]

The Prophet’s Prayer Locations in Al-Manakha

Historical sources mention various places in Al-Manakha where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) performed the Eid prayers. It should be noted that the locations marked in these narrations as the Prophet's prayer sites were not present during his lifetime but were established later.[3] AAccording to the narrations recorded by Ibn Shabba, the Prophet conducted Eid prayers in the following places, all located in Al-Manakha:[4]

  • Near Dar Al-Shifa
  • In the district of Al-Daws
  • In the house of Hakim bin Adi
  • In the residences of the family of Al-Durra
  • In the house of Kathir bin Al-Salt
  • Besides the rocks near Al-Hanatine
  • In the fortress of Banu Zuraiq


The Mosques of Al-Manakha

The mosques in Al-Manakha, associated with the Prophet Muhammad (S), were not established during his lifetime or that of the Caliphs. These mosques were first constructed during the governorship of Umar ibn Abd al-Aziz, the ruler of Medina. [5] DDuring his tenure, many of the Prophet's prayer sites were converted into mosques.

The notable early mosques built in the Al-Manakha area include:

  1. Masjid al-Ghamama (Mosque of the Cloud)
  1. Masjid Ali ibn Abi Talib (Mosque of Ali ibn Abi Talib)
  1. Masjid Abu Bakr (Mosque of Abu Bakr)

[6] In the 9th century AH, a mosque named Masjid Umar ibn al-Khattab was also constructed within the same vicinity. Additionally, in the 15th century AH, another mosque called Masjid Uthman was built in the area.[7] ome scholars also include Masjid al-Qashla and Masjid Bilal in Al-Manakha as significant sites where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is believed to have performed prayers. These mosques are considered important due to their historical connection to the early Islamic period, although the primary sources and evidence for these associations may vary. Masjid al-Qashla, [8] known for its historical architecture and relevance, and Masjid Bilal[9] named after the esteemed companion Bilal ibn Rabah, are both seen as part of the broader historical and religious landscape of Al-Manakha. Their inclusion in discussions about the Prophet’s prayer sites reflects ongoing scholarly efforts to document and preserve the rich heritage of early Islamic worship practices.

The Ghamama Mosque or Masjid al-Ghamama

Main article: Ghamama Mosque

Masjid al-Ghamama, also known as the Prayer Mosque, is located in the area where Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) conducted prayers during the later years of his life. This mosque holds significant historical importance as it was established on the site where the Prophet is known to have performed prayers, including the Eid prayers. The mosque was built to commemorate and preserve the memory of these sacred activities.[10]

The Mosque of Abu Bakr

During his caliphate, Abu Bakr performed the Eid prayers in a place of Minakhah, and later, the Mosque of Abu Bakr was built in that place.[11]

The Mosque of Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS)

Ali ibn Abi Talib (AS) also performed the Eid prayers in a specific location within this Musalla , and later, a mosque was built in that place named after him.[12]

Location Map of the Musalla's Mosques

The image below illustrates the distance of theMusalla's Mosques to one of the corners of the current Prophet's Mosque building.


جایگزین=مسجدهای مصلا در مناخه


The Prophet's prayers in the Musalla

It has been narrated that the Prophet (PBUH), on the day of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, used to go to the Musalla. He would first perform the prayer and then stand in front of the people. While they were seated in prayer rows, he would address them. In one report, it is mentioned that the Prophet once prayed the Fajr prayer in his mosque, then went to the prayer ground, where he sat and spoke to the people. After the sun had risen, he performed the Eid prayer and then delivered a sermon. It is reported that the Prophet prayed the Eid prayer for the first time in the second year in the Musalla.[13]

spear

It is also narrated that on the day of Eid, beforehand, the Prophet would carry a tall staff (spear). During the prayer, this staff would be planted in the ground, and the Prophet would pray facing towards it.[14] It is said that this spear was gifted to the Prophet by Najashi (the Negus of Abyssinia).[15]

The Prophet's way to the Musalla

In a collection of narrations mentioned by Ibn Shubba in his book, it is emphasized that on the day of Eid, the Prophet would go to the prayer ground through one route and return through another.[16]

The Rain Prayer

It is narrated that once the Prophet performed the rain-seeking prayer (Salat al-Istisqa) in a place called Zoraa, located in the Masjid al-musalla in Minakhah field. [17]

The Prayer for Najashi

It is reported that after the death of Najashi, the king of Abyssinia, the Prophet prayed for him from a distance at the Musalla.

Supplication

It is also narrated that when the Prophet returned from a journey and passed by the prayer ground (Masjid-i-Masalla), he would stand facing the Qibla and supplicate.[18]

The Pulpit of Musalla

During the time of the Prophet (PBUH) and until the era of Marwan ibn Hakam, the Prophet's Musalla did not have a pulpit. It is reported that after performing the prayer, the Prophet would stand in front of the worshipers and deliver a sermon.[19] However, during the time of Marwan ibn Hakam, a pulpit was placed in the prayer ground. Marwan would deliver a sermon before performing the prayer, as it was believed that after the prayer, people might not stay to hear his words.[20] Some narrations also attribute the use of the pulpit and delivering the sermon before the prayer to Uthman ibn Affan.[21]

Notes

  1. ↑ Samhūdī, Wafāʾ al-wafā bi akhbār dar al-Muṣṭafā, vol. 3, p. 122.
  2. ↑ ʿAbdu-l Ghanī, Al-Masājid al-Atharīyya fī al- madīna al-munawwara, p. 223.
  3. ↑ ʿAbdu-l Ghanī, Al-Masājid al-Atharīyya fī al- madīna al-munawwara, p. 224-225.
  4. ↑ Numīrī, Tārīkh al-madīna al-Munawwara, vol. 1, p. 133-135.
  5. ↑ Samhūdī, Wafāʾ al-wafā bi akhbār dar al-Muṣṭafā, vol. 3, p. 122.
  6. ↑ Samhūdī, Wafāʾ al-wafā bi akhbār dar al-Muṣṭafā, vol. 3, p. 122-123.
  7. ↑ ʿAbdu-l Ghanī, Al-Masājid al-Atharīyya fī al- madīna al-Munawwara, p. 223.
  8. ↑ Khiyārī, Tārīkh maʿālimal-madīna al-munawwara qadīman wa ḥadīthan, p. 148.
  9. ↑ Khiyārī, Tārīkh maʿālimal-madīna al-Munawwara qadīman wa ḥadīthan, p. 148.
  10. ↑ ʿAbdu-l Ghanī, Al-Masājid al-Atharīyya fī al- madīna al-munawwara, p. 223.
  11. ↑ ʿAbdu-l Ghanī, Al-Masājid al-Atharīyya fī al- madīna al-munawwara, p. 223.
  12. ↑ ʿAbdu-l Ghanī, Al-Masājid al-Atharīyya fī al- madīna al-munawwara, p. 223.
  13. ↑ Numīrī, Tārīkh al-madīna al-munawwara, vol. 1, p. 134.
  14. ↑ Numīrī, Tārīkh al-madīna al-munawwara, vol. 1, p. 139-141.
  15. ↑ Numīrī, Tārīkh al-madīna al-munawwara, vol. 1, p. 139.
  16. ↑ Numīrī, Tārīkh al-madīna al-munawwara, vol. 1, p. 136-137.
  17. ↑ Numīrī, Tārīkh al-madīna al-munawwara, vol. 1, p. 135.
  18. ↑ Numīrī, Tārīkh al-madīna al-munawwara, vol. 1, p. 138.
  19. ↑ Samhūdī, Wafāʾ al-wafā bi akhbār dar al-Muṣṭafā, vol. 3, p. 125.
  20. ↑ Samhūdī, Wafāʾ al-wafā bi akhbār dar al-Muṣṭafā, vol. 3, p. 126.
  21. ↑ Samhūdī, Wafāʾ al-wafā bi akhbār dar al-Muṣṭafā, vol. 3, p. 127-128.

References

  • ʿAbdu-l Ghanī, Muḥammad ʾIlyās. Al-Masājid al-Atharīyya fī al- madīna al-munawwara. Medina: [n.p], 2000.
  • Khiyārī, Sayyid Aḥmad Yāsīn.Tārīkh maʿālimal-madīna al-munawwara qadīman wa ḥadīthan. Riyadh: al-Amāna alʿāmma li-liḥtifāl miʾat ʿām ʿalā tʾsīs al-mamlika al- ʿarabiyya al-suʿūdiyya, 1419 AH/1999.
  • Numīrī, Ibn Shubba. Tārīkh al-madīna al-munawwara. Edited by Fahīm Muḥammad Shaltūt. Tehran: Mashʿar, 1380 sh.
  • Samhūdī, ʿAlī b. ʿAbd Allāh. Wafāʾ al-wafā bi akhbār dar al-Muṣṭafā. Edited by Muḥammad Muḥyi al-Dīn ʿAbd al-Ḥamīd. Beirut: 1984.
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